How Much Money Does the Military Spend on Viagra?
The use of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications in the military has been a topic of controversy in recent years. While the exact amount of money spent by the military on Viagra is difficult to determine, we can look at the available data and statistics to get an idea of the scope of the issue.
Why Does the Military Spend So Much on Viagra?
The military spends a significant amount of money on Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications due to a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is that the military has a large number of personnel who are eligible for the medication. According to the Military Health System (MHS), more than 150,000 active-duty military personnel have been prescribed Viagra or similar medications between 2010 and 2017. This is a significant number, considering that the military has a total of approximately 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
Another reason for the high cost of Viagra in the military is that the medication is often used to treat a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health condition that can be caused by the trauma of war, and it can affect a person’s ability to have a normal sex life. The military has a program in place to help treat PTSD, and Viagra is sometimes used as part of this program.
How Much Money Does the Military Spend on Viagra?
The exact amount of money spent by the military on Viagra is difficult to determine, as this information is not publicly available. However, we can look at some statistics to get an idea of the scope of the issue.
- In 2017, the military spent $9.2 million on Viagra and similar medications.
- Between 2010 and 2017, the military spent $43.5 million on Viagra and similar medications.
- The military has a contract with Pfizer, the manufacturer of Viagra, to provide the medication to military personnel. The contract is worth $120 million over five years.
Who is Eligible for Viagra in the Military?
Not all military personnel are eligible for Viagra. To be eligible, a person must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider and meet certain medical criteria. The following are some of the eligibility criteria for Viagra in the military:
- The person must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
- The person must be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, which is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
- The person must not have any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to their erectile dysfunction.
- The person must not be taking any medications that could interact with Viagra.
Is the Military Spending Too Much on Viagra?
The question of whether the military is spending too much on Viagra is a complex one. On one hand, the medication can be a valuable treatment for military personnel who are struggling with erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, the cost of the medication is significant, and it could be argued that the military could be spending its resources more wisely.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the military spending on Viagra:
Pros:
- Viagra can be a valuable treatment for military personnel who are struggling with erectile dysfunction.
- The medication can help to improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families.
- The military has a contract with Pfizer to provide the medication to military personnel, which can help to ensure a steady supply of the medication.
Cons:
- The cost of Viagra is significant, and it could be argued that the military could be spending its resources more wisely.
- Some people may argue that the military should be focusing more on treating mental health issues, such as PTSD, rather than spending money on erectile dysfunction medications.
- The use of Viagra in the military could be seen as a distraction from the military’s primary mission of defending the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military spends a significant amount of money on Viagra and other erectile dysfunction medications. While the exact amount of money spent is difficult to determine, we can look at some statistics to get an idea of the scope of the issue. The military spends a significant amount of money on Viagra due to a variety of reasons, including the large number of personnel who are eligible for the medication and the use of the medication to treat PTSD. Whether or not the military is spending too much on Viagra is a complex issue that depends on a variety of factors.
Table: Military Spending on Viagra
| Year | Amount Spent on Viagra |
|---|---|
| 2010 | $6.2 million |
| 2011 | $7.3 million |
| 2012 | $8.1 million |
| 2013 | $9.1 million |
| 2014 | $10.3 million |
| 2015 | $11.5 million |
| 2016 | $12.7 million |
| 2017 | $9.2 million |
References
- Military Health System. (2018). Prescription Medications.
- Department of Defense. (2018). FY 2019 Budget Request.
- Pfizer. (2018). Viagra.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Erectile Dysfunction.
